Kissinger Nominated As Secretary of State; Will Be First Jew in That Position if Confirmed by Senate

President Nixon today nominated Dr. Henry A. Kissinger to be Secretary of State. If his nomination is confirmed by the Senate, the 50-year-old German born former Harvard University professor will be the first Jew to hold that post in U.S. history.

The President announced Kissinger’s nomination at a press conference in San Clemente, California, at which he also announced the resignation of Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Nixon said that Dr. Kissinger would continue to serve as assistant to the President for national security affairs along with his duties as Secretary of State.

Nixon said the dual post was the equivalent of the responsibilities given Secretary of the Treasury George Schultz who is in direct charge of economic affairs for the Nixon Administration. Dr. Kissinger was appointed assistant for national security affairs in 1969. Born in Furth, Germany, Kissinger came to this country with his parents in 1938.